Blatter: FIFA not police on Iran suspension

Xinhua - "We are not police," FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter said Friday while explaining why the world soccer governing body made the suspension decision on Iran.

"Iran received the suspension because of the political interference," Blatter, who came here to attend the opening ceremony of the Doha Asiad, told a press conference.

FIFA suspended Iran from all international soccer activities on Nov. 23 due to alleged government interference and non-adherence to FIFA statutes.

The FIFA boss said Iran's Sports Department of the government regrouped the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) after the Germany World Cup, dismissing the legitimate IRIFF president Dr. Mohammed Dadgan, which was totally contrary to FIFA statutes and was an interference into the independence of member associations.

"We had a road map present for them in the meantime, in which a new election or re-election is required," said Blatter.

Before the opening of the Doha Asian Games, FIFA lifted the ban temporarily after Iran showed an attitude of making a compromise. Dariush Mostafavi, Iran football chief was quoted by the national news agency ISNA as saying on Sunday," We have informed FIFA that we will adhere to all of their requests."

The Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee (DAGOC) announced on Monday that the Iranian U-23 soccer team was back to the 15th Asian Games.

"We provisionally lifted the suspension. By December 5 if the road map is not realized, the suspension will still work, and Iran 's participation in next year's Asian Cup finals will be in doubt. " Blatter noted.